Approximately one million young people across the UK are set to be offered a vaccine to provide protection against Meningitis B. The initiative follows increasing concerns regarding the number of infections reported this year, with particular attention on the risks associated with communal living environments, such as university halls.
The two-dose MenB vaccine will be made available to pupils currently in their final year of secondary education. Additionally, young adults aged between 18 and 25 who are preparing to embark on their first year at university or other residential further education institutions this autumn will also be eligible. This targeted approach focuses on demographics identified as being at a higher risk of contracting the serious bacterial infection.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the B strain can be particularly severe. While it can affect anyone, babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults are the most commonly affected groups. Babies have routinely received the MenB vaccine since 2015, meaning those over the age of 11 have not previously been vaccinated against this strain as part of the routine NHS schedule.
The decision to not offer a universal catch-up vaccination campaign for all teenagers was made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the government's expert advisers. They concluded that a widespread NHS programme for all teenagers was not cost-effective, a decision that remains under review. Factors influencing this assessment include the vaccine's varying effectiveness across age groups, its protection against only the most common B strains, and its limited impact on preventing bacterial transmission between individuals.
For those eligible, the jabs will be provided free on the NHS, requiring two doses administered at least four weeks apart for optimal protection. While specific delivery plans may vary slightly across the UK's nations, England will see community pharmacies facilitate appointments, with bookings expected to open from late July. Eligible individuals will be contacted directly via the NHS App, text message, and email. International students under 25 commencing their first year at university are encouraged to receive their initial dose in their home country if feasible. Experts highlight that cases of invasive meningococcal disease typically peak in October and November, underscoring the timing's importance for new university students.